Category Archives: USAWA History

Summary of the Zercher Strength Classic


THE ZERCHER STRENGTH CLASSIC
America’s Oldest All-Round Weightlifting Contest
by Dale Friesz


The concept of the ZERCHER STRENGTH CLASSIC originated with the founder of the United States All-Round Weightlifting Association, Bill Clark. The first ZERCHER STRENGTH CLASSIC was held in 1982, six years before the first USAWA National Championships became a reality. The meet was created to honor Ed Zercher Sr., the famous St. Louis Missouri Strongman who performed at an extremely high level for over sixty-five years in all areas of the strength games.

MALE CHAMPIONS


YEAR
 WINNER
 AGE/BWT # LIFTS
 TOTAL POINTS
2010 – 1/30
 ABE SMITH
 28/180 13 8105 7698.90
2009 – 1/31
 ABE SMITH
 27/180 13 8370 7950.66
2008 – 1/26
 JOE GARCIA
 54/226 13 8020 7635.38
2007 – 2/03
 JOE GARCIA
 53/233 13 8135 7635.20
2006 – 1/21
 ABE SMITH
 24/172 13 7897.5 7708.75
2005 – 1/29
 JOE GARCIA
 51/242 13 8085 7304.83
2004 – 1/31
 JOE GARCIA
 50/240 13 8190 7364.64
2003 – 2/01
 BILL CLARK
 70/238 13 5180 5523.64
2002 – 2/02
 ABE SMITH
 20/169 13 7790 7684.84
2001 – 2/03
 JOE GARCIA
 47/241 13 8050 7029.97
2000 – 2/05-06
 JOE GARCIA
 46/239 13 8792.5 7654.33
1999 – 1/30
 DAVE DEFOREST
 38/185 13 6765 6321.90
1998 – 1/31-2/01
 JOHN CARTER
 40/224.5 13 10080 8542.71
1997 – 2/01-02
 JOHN CARTER
 39/227.5 13 9895 8243.50
1996 – 2/02-04
 JOHN CARTER
 38/225 13 10645 8918.30
1995 – 2/04-05
 JOHN CARTER
 37/218.5 13 9790 8334.23
1994 – 2/05-06
 JOHN CARTER
 36/211.5 13 9345 8097.44
1993 – 2/06-07
 STEVE SCHMIDT
 37/215.5 13 10470 8975.93
1992 – 1/18-19
 STEVE SCHMIDT
 36/223 13 10250 8628.45
1991 – 1/19-20
 STEVE SCHMIDT
 35/227 13 10380 8656.92
1990 – 1/20-21
 STEVE SCHMIDT
 34/225 10 6430 5387.06
1989 – 1/21-22
 STEVE SCHMIDT
 33/212 14 8285 7189.72
1988 – 1/23-24
 STEVE SCHMIDT
 32/215 18 12260 10568.12
1987 – 1/24-25
 STEVE SCHMIDT
 31/215 16 10955 6139.18
1986 – 1/25-26
 SID LITTLETON
 30/161 16 9345 6672.33
1985 – N/A
 SID LITTLETON
 29/165 20 8320 5969.29
1984 – 1/21-22
 SID LITTLETON
 28/- 17 N/A N/A
1983 – 1/22-23
 STEVE SCHMIDT
 27/- 18 N/A N/A
1982 – 1/23-24
 SID LITTLETON
 26/- 16 N/A N/A


FEMALE CHAMPIONS


YEAR
 WINNER
 AGE/BWT # LIFTS
 TOTAL POINTS
2003 – 2/01
 AMORKOR OLLENNUKING
 40/165 13 6165 6226.65
2001 – 2/03
 AMORKOR OLLENNUKING
 38/158 13 6355 6538.66
1999 – 1/30
 ANGELA McBRIDE
 19/136 13 3740 4235.37
1998 – 1/31-2/01
 AMY BURKS
 19/124 13 3470 4235.83
1997 – 2/01-02
 AMORKOR OLLENNUKING
 34/171 13 6070 5897.00
1996 – 2/03-04
 AMORKOR OLLENNUKING
 33/176 13 5920 5699.30
1995 – 2/04-05
 KERRY CLARK
 30/171 13 4565 4473.24
1994 – 2/05-06
 KERRY CLARK
 29/165 13 4695 4702.98
1993 – 2/06-07
 KERRY CLARK
 28/163 13 4660 4794.67
1989 – 1/21-22
 DORIS De La ROSA
 29/147 14 3420 3687.79
1988 – 1/23-24
 DORIS De La ROSA
 28/142 18 4395 4880.65

CHAMPIONS RECAP: MALE

STEVE SCHMIDT – (8) – 1983, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
JOE GARCIA – (6) – 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008
JOHN CARTER – (5) – 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
SID LITTLETON – (4) – 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986
ABE SMITH – (4) – 2002, 2006, 2009, 2010
DAVE DEFOREST – (1) – 1999
BILL CLARK – (1) – 2003

CHAMPIONS RECAP: FEMALE

AMORKOR OLLENNUKING – (4) – 1996, 1997, 2001, 2003
KERRY CLARK – (3) – 1993, 1994, 1995
DORIS De La ROSA – (2) – 1988, 1989
AMY BURKS – (1) – 1998
ANGELA McBRIDE – (1) – 1999

MEET SITES:

MISSOURI STATE PENITENTIARY (Jefferson City, MO) – 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986
MISSOURI TRAINING CENTER FOR MEN (Moberly, MO) – 1985, 1987
CLARK’S CHAMPIONSHIP GYM (Columbia, MO) – 1988 to 2010

History of USAWA Records


by Al Myers

I was thinking the other day about the history of the number of records set in the USAWA throughout the years.  Joe Garcia has been the Official Records Chairman since the beginning of the USAWA, and has entered THOUSANDS of records into our Record List. Joe’s efforts on this has been impressive and the USAWA owes him  a lot of thanks for all the work he has done in giving us a 20 plus year Record List.  The list is now approaching 10,000 line items in length.  But, what years have the most records been set in?  This can’t possible be answered because records are continually broken and the list updated, so an absolute count is about impossible for any year except the most current year. However, we can count the records that are STILL on the books from previous years.  Well, I did this and found the results interesting so I am going to share my research with you!

Year Records Year Records
1987 38 1999 453
1988 114 2000 586
1989 154 2001 422
1990 250 2002 682
1991 307 2003 538
1992 294 2004 474
1993 291 2005 702
1994 346 2006 566
1995 468 2007 367
1996 425 2008 360
1997 427 2009 475
1998 433 2010 103


As you can see, 2005 was the year that resulted in the MOST records.  The last three years there has been a drop-off. But it appears 2010 is off to a good start – maybe THIS YEAR will be the year the most records are set??

Congratulations to Dave Glasgow for passing the Official’s Test and becoming an USAWA Official!

What happened 10 years ago in the USAWA?


by Al Myers

Garcia wins Zercher

On February 5-6, 2000, Joe Garcia wins his first Zercher Strength Classic at Clark’s Gym.  Fellow gym members Mike McBride  took second place while James Foster came in third.  Seven lifters participated in this 13 lift meet which occurred over two days. Garcia dominated the Chain Lifts – with lifts of 1600# in the Hand and Thigh, 2300# in the Harness Lift, and 1805# in the Hip Lift.  This meet also included the comeback of John Carter, who had been sidelined for two years with two knee surgeries.

Postal League

Four registered clubs (Clark’s Gym, Prechtel Athletic Club, Ambridge VFW Barbell Club and Frystown Power Zone) have entered the Postal League.  The first leg of this year long competition was completed.

Nebraskaland Strength Classic

Meet director Kevin Fulton won the Nebraskaland Strength Classic, barely edging out Elijah Kucera.  Fulton put up big lifts in the Jerk-Behind Neck (305 pounds) and the Deadlift – Fulton Bar (505 pounds) to secure the win over 17 year old Kucera.

Deanna Springs Memorial

Josh Pemberton won the Deanna Springs Meet, beating Abe Smith and Al Springs.  The meet was very close, with Josh slipping past Abe by only 13 points!  A highlight of the meet was having two old JWC lifters in attendance – Wayne Smith and Wayne Jackson.  Smith had developed a reputation by being a one arm pullup champion, and on this day he performed a record in the Pinch Grip with a lift of 90 pounds.

Buckeye Record Breaker

This record day was promoted by USAWA President Howard Prechtel on March 4th. An amazing 16 lifters took part!  The list of those competing: Noi Phumchaona, Anna Holter, Jim Loewer, Dennis Stahnke, Chris Waterman, Bob McKenzie, Lee Gesbeck, Dennis Mitchell, Bob Cox, John McKean, Art Montini, Bob Hirsh, Walter Moss, Bill Crozier, Bob Geib, and Scott Schmidt.

Courtesy of The Strength Journal published by Bill Clark.

History of Past USAWA Officers

by Al Myers

Dale Friesz at the 2009 Heavy Event Nationals

Thanks to the work of the unofficial USAWA Historian Dale Friesz, the website now contains the history of the past officers of the USAWA. Dale has been a very active lifter since the beginning of the USAWA, and has been an integral part of past USAWA National Meetings. Dale deserves a pat on the back from the USAWA for taking time during his vacation to get this project finished. Thanks Dale! Below is the listing of the Past USAWA Officers since the origin of the USAWA in 1987, courtesy of Dale Friesz.

Effective January 1st, 2010 (elected 6/20/2009)

PRESIDENT: Denny Habacker, PA

VICE PRESIDENT: Chad Ullom, KS

SECRETARY/TREASURER: Al Myers, KS

————————————————————-

Effective July 7th, 2007 (elected 7/7/2007)

PRESIDENT: Denny Habecker, PA

VICE PRESIDENT: Al Myers, KS

SECRETARY/TREASURER: Bill Clark, MO

—————————————————————

Effective January 1st, 1993 (elected 11/27/1992)

PRESIDENT: Howard Prechtel, OH

VICE PRESIDENTS: Steve Schmidt, MO

Frank Ciavattone, MA

Art Montini, PA

SECRETARY/TREASURER: Bill Clark, MO

————————————————————–

Effective January 1st, 1989 (elected 1/22/1989)

PRESIDENT: John Vernacchio, PA

VICE PRESIDENT: Art Montini, PA

SECRETARY/TREASURER: Bill Clark, MO

————————————————————–

Effective January 1st, 1987 (appointed 11/29/1986)

PRESIDENT: John Carr, MO

REGISTAR: Joe McCoy, TX

Round 4 – Yesterday versus Today

Yesterday’s 242# & SHW Classes versus Today’s 105k to 125K+ Classes

by Al Myers


Results:

Lift Yesterday Today Winner
Deadlift – One Arm 455# – Joe Nanney (1961) 562# – Frank Ciavattone (2000) Today
Deadlift – Heels Together 670# – Lou Greenlaw (1982) 650# – Al Myers (2004) Yesterday
Deadlift – Middle Fingers 350# – Ken McClain (1984) 400# – Kevin Fulton (1999) Today
Deadlift – One Leg 305# – Bill Clark (1963) 309# – Al Myers (2005) Today
Hack Lift 650# – Wilbur Miller (1963) 620# – Ed Schock (2002) Yesterday
Jefferson Lift 650# – Wilbur Miller (1963) 617# – Bob Moore (1992) Yesterday
Hand and Thigh Lift 1150# – Steve Schmidt (1986) 1910# – Joe Garcia (1997) Today
Neck Lift 470# – Steve Schmidt (1986) 805# – Joe Ciavattone (2005) Today
Harness Lift 3000# – Steve Schmidt (1986) 3500# – Steve Schmidt (1988) Today
Hip Lift 2135# – Steve Schmidt (1986) 2515# – Frank Ciavattone (2007) Today
Back Lift 2610# – Steve Schmidt (1986) 3050# – Steve Schmidt (2009) Today
Clean and Press 330# – Wayne Jackson (1971) 276# – John Dundon (1997) Yesterday
Clean and Seated Press 280# – Wayne Jackson (1983) 275# – Brian Meek (1988) Yesterday
French Press 135# – Wayne Jackson (1981) 140# – Joe Ciavattone (2009) Today
Bent Press 220# – Bob Burtzloff (1984) 105# – Mike McBride (1998) Yesterday
Bench Press – Feet in Air 465# – Gary McClain (1980) 441# – Brian Meek (1989) Yesterday
Bench Press – Hands Together 265# – Callie Dealy (1982) 310# – Dave Beversdorf (2009) Today
Front Squat 470# – Terry Stephens (1979) 507# – Brian Meek (1989) Today
Snatch – One Arm 170# – Bob Burtzloff (1982) 171# – Bob Burtzloff (1987) Today
Continental to Chest 363# – Bob Burtzloff (1987) 358# – Frank Ciavattone (1992) Yesterday
Jerk – From Rack 407# – Clay Oliver (1986) 397# – Clay Oliver (1987) Yesterday
Clean & Jerk – One Arm 253# – Bob Burtzloff (1983) 175# – Bob Burtzloff (2004) Yesterday
Swing – Dumbbell, One Arm 145# – Bob Burtzloff (1985) 143# – Chad Ullom (2007) Yesterday
Zercher Lift 505# – Bill Davis (1979) 529# – Bob Moore (1992) Today
Steinborn Lift 460# – Al Robbins (1967) 430# – Chad Ullom (2007) Yesterday
Cheat Curl 253# – Ray Bradley (1979) 260# – Antoniano DelSignore (2003) Today
Pinch Grip 210# – Jim Easley (1981) 200# – Matt Graham (2002) Yesterday
Crucifix 110# – Steve Schmidt (1985) 140# – Eric Todd (2005) Today
Pullover – Straight Arm 126# – Steve Schmidt (1985) 132# – Al Myers (2009) Today
Pullover and Push 474# – Bob Burtzloff (1986) 474# – Bob Burtzloff (1987) TIE
Clean & Press – Behind Neck 220# – Bob Burtzloff (1984) 251# – Ernie Beath (2009) Today
Clean & Press – Heels Together 300# – Wayne Jackson (1983) 300# – Brian Meek (1989) TIE
Deadlift – Dumbbells 520# – Wilbur Miller (1984) 480# – Al Myers (2009) Yesterday
Clean & Press – Dumbbells 240# – Ken McClain (1986) 240# – Ken McClain (1987) TIE
Pullover and Press 165# – Ed Zercher Sr. (1963) 352# – Al Myers (2007) Today
Bench Press – Roman Chair 210# – Bob Burtzloff (1985) 250# – Dave Beversdorf (2009) Today
It was close – but Today’s Lifters pull out the WIN!


Final score in Round 4 – Today 19 wins, Yesterday 14 wins, 3 ties.

So overall – Today’s Lifters win 3 Rounds to Yesterday’s Lifters winning 1 Round.  Does this review comparison really answer the  question, “Are today’s lifters stronger than yesterday’s lifters?”.  I still can’t say that for sure because Today’s lifters do have a few advantages that the lifters before us didn’t have – such as better bars and equipment to compete with, a better understanding of proper training learned from those before us, and more opportunities to compete than they did.  I do think this study showed that several lifters from the past would still be great in today’s lifting world.  In all rounds, Today’s lifters dominated the Heavy Lifts which definitely helped in margin of victory but if taken out wouldn’t have changed the outcome.  I found this study to be very interesting – and was glad to see “the numbers” of several oldtime lifters that I have only heard about.  ANYONE making these lists are/were truly great lifters.  I welcome any comments from those who have memories of these past lifts/lifters.  I think it is very important to keep track of the history of our sport.  We have to remember that those before us paved the way for what we have today. If it wasn’t for interest in All-Round Weightlifting 50 years ago – we may not even have All-Round Weightlifting today!!

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